While there are many driving laws that Brits are aware of, some are less well-known and could easily land you in hot water with the law
According to experts at ChooseMyCar.com, the UK’s leading car marketplace, there are a number of unusual UK laws that drivers must avoid breaking if they wish to avoid a fine, or even their licence being taken away. From playing loud music while driving, to sleeping in your car after a few drinks, there are a number of driving habits that are actually illegal.
For example, while many Brits might find it cute when they spot a dog with its head hanging out the car window, it’s actually extremely dangerous. Hazards include ear damage, being hit by flying debris, or even falling out of your car. For this reason, it’s vital that you follow the Highway Code, which says that drivers must ensure their pet is suitably restrained – failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £5,000 and a driving ban.
Nick Zapolski, motoring expert and founder of ChooseMyCar.com, said that while Brits may not have heard of some of these laws, it’s essential that you follow them to avoid a hefty fine and points on your licence.
“There are many road laws for UK drivers, and it’s important that you follow them to avoid risking losing your licence, as well as keeping other Brits – and yourself – safe.
“Some pet owners allow their dog to hang their head out the window while they’re driving. But, as cute as this can seem, this is very dangerous for your dog, and may lead to a £5,000 fine and a driving ban. Other habits, such as sleeping in your car after a few drinks instead of driving home, may seem to make sense, but this means you are in charge of your car while over the legal limit, which is enough to land you in hot water with the law.
“By following these laws, this means that, instead of worrying about road risks and legal fees, you can ensure a higher chance of a safe journey behind the wheel.”
Below are a list of unusual driving laws highlighted by ChooseMyCar.com that may result in a fine:
Your dog hanging their head out of the window
If your dog is hanging their head out of your car window, this means they’re not firmly secured in their seat, which, alongside being dangerous, can land you a hefty fine. Rule 57 of The Highway Code states that drivers must make sure their pet is suitably restrained in a seatbelt harness, pet carrier, or dog cage – failure to do this can lead to on the spot fines to a maximum of £5,000, up to nine points on their licence, and even a full ban and compulsory retest.
Loud music
Although many of us listen to our favourite songs while driving for a more enjoyable journey, listening to them too loudly can distract you and other drivers, and may break road laws. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 state that “excessive noise which could have been avoided” is prohibited. If you’re found to have listened to music at over 68 dB while driving, you may receive a £100 fine.
Sleeping in your car while drunk
Driving home drunk is widely known as against the law and dangerous, so sleeping in your car after a few drinks may seem like the safer option. However, the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that it’s illegal to be in charge of your car if you’re over the legal alcohol limit, meaning that sleeping in your car is still breaking driving laws, and could result in a fine of up to £2,500, and a driving ban of up to three months.
Swearing
Driving can be stressful, and occasionally we might get angry at other drivers, but you may regret it if your road rage is found to have caused distress to other drivers. Under the Public Order Act 1986 and the Road Traffic Act 1991, rude hand gestures or threatening behaviour could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Driving too slowly
While speeding is known to be dangerous and can lead to a fine, you may also be punished if you’re found to have driven too slowly. Minimum speed limits are rare, but are occasionally enforced on motorways at 30 miles-per-hour, although you will likely be pulled over if you drive at that speed on a motorway. While you may need to drive slower in some instances, such as poor weather, it can also disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents, and may lead to a fine of up to £100, alongside three points on your licence.
Dirty number plates
When we’re cleaning our cars during winter, it can be easy to neglect our number plates if we’re in a rush. However, dirty number plates are prohibited, as it can make your car harder to identify if stolen. If your number plate is found to be dirty, you will likely receive a verbal warning from the police. However, police have been known to issue fines of £1,000 for particularly dirty number plates in the past.
Keeping your engine running
While it may be tempting to keep your engine running if you’re parked and waiting to pick someone up, or while you’re defrosting your car during winter, doing this is dangerous, as it releases a lot of harmful gases. It also violates rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers mustn’t leave their vehicle running unnecessarily while stationary. If your car engine is found to be running in a stationary position, some local authorities will charge £20, although the fine can increase to £80.
Wearing flip flops
While it’s not explicitly illegal to drive barefoot or in flip flops, Rule 97 of The Highway Code states that you must ensure that your clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner. The Driving Standards Agency recommends that you wear suitable shoes while driving – driving in flip flops or barefoot likely won’t give you the braking force you need while behind the wheel. Wearing flip flops when driving may count as “driving without due care and attention” and, if caught, may result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
stephen@jukebox.marketing
